Ian Levine

[Guest]

James Wells -Baby I'm Still The Same Man

Edited January 1, 2006 by Simon White

[Mike]

James Wells -Baby I'm Still The Same Man

5 new year trivia points on offer if you can tell us why at the time the reaction to this was amusing?

have to say the 12 inch version imo the best he's ever done

[Baz Atkinson]

VISITED IAN LEVINE LAST SEPTEMBER AT HIS HOME AND IT WAS A ABSORBING ,FUNNY AND INFORMATIVE JOURNEY.WE RIFLED THROUGH THOUSHANDS OF TUNES AND I PICKED UP LOADS OF DEEP AND SWEET SOUL,STUFF LIKE MARK GREEN ON STANG AND THE HIGHLY COLLECTABLE RALPHI FAGAN ON UPTIGHT.

FOR SURE THE MAN HAS HIS OWN MANNERISMS AND ECCENTRICITIES BUT SO WHAT WE ALL DO! HIS CONTRIBUTION SET AGAINST THE BACKDROP OF TIME WILL BE UNMEASUREABLE AND WHEN YOU BREAK THROUGH ALL OF HIS BULLSHIT HE REALLY IS A DECENT PERSON WITH UNLIMITED KNOWLEDGE.

ITS TRUE MOST OF HIS STUFF IS BEEN SOLD FOR COMICS AND HE DID PRODUCE THOSE EARLY SESSIONS.ITS HARD TO PLAY CATCHUP ON THE NORTHERN SCENE THE DOUBTERS WILL ALWAYS GIVE YOU A HARD TIME THAT WAS HIS MISTAKE,BUT HEY WHEN YOUR IAN LEVINE ITS ALL WATER OF A DUCKS BACK.

[soulfulsaint]

Blue Rooms in Sale was one of his 'rehearsal' rooms for big Mecca sounds. Remember him playing The Bottle there for first time.

Bizarre thing about Ian was that his other big passion was Dr Who - he owns some of the BBC's early master tapes which they now have to get back off him to use in anniversary shows etc.

What I most remember about him in his early northern days was the phenomenal spending power he had as a very young guy. His dad owned a big casino in Blackpool. He was the first guy I can remember that paid big big money for records. Guys like Les Cockell and Bernie Golding used to act as 'finders' and confidants for him too. The big story in early 70s was him hounding Dave Godin to sell him the Crow 'Autumn of Tomorrow'. He had this ambition to own every black american single ever and couldn't bear someone having a major sound he didn't own. I also know he used to drive through the night and camp outside Soul Bowl in a car waiting for John Anderson to wake up.

A passionate guy and that's what divides opinion to this day. I loved the Mecca v Wigan feuds - partly becasue I was one of those 'sluts' that loved both - stompers like Little Joe Cook and 'funk' like Boby Franklin. It amused me how upset people got when he played things like Snoopy Dean and Run Nigger Run etc.

Last saw Ian at his house in Ealing as ever he was surrounded by vinyl, by then mostly Hi Energy.

Great character - we need more like him not less.

[Guest Brian J]

A perfect critique of Ian! A lovely guy and one of the most knowledgeable Soulsters ever. You have to know him though to get where he's at.

And the ultimate discoverer of the scene's greatest hits. Happy New Year Mr. Vandal!

A lovely guy? Have you been on the sherry again Kev?

To know him, is to acknowledge him his own absolute eminence. A critique of Ian is more attune to the undermentioned phrase, he would impale mercilessly, upon anyone, daring to deny him his queendom. eg; "PUUUUUULLLEASE! Why don't you just F.O.A.D!"

I'm sure there are quite a few other undeserving recipients who will readily explain what F.O.A.D stands for!

[SteveM]

A lovely guy? Have you been on the sherry again Kev?

To know him, is to acknowledge him his own absolute eminence. A critique of Ian is more attune to the undermentioned phrase, he would impale mercilessly, upon anyone, daring to deny him his queendom. eg; "PUUUUUULLLEASE! Why don't you just F.O.A.D!"

I'm sure there are quite a few other undeserving recipients who will readily explain what F.O.A.D stands for!

Oooooooooh.

[Guest Brian J]

Oooooooooh.

Now don't be swingin' that handbag in my direction Steve!

[Simsy]

He'd have been tucked up in bed by the time you got there and hey, what if someone actually requested the records??

No he was there allright, living large. I hadn't heard anyone play or request the snake or interplay at any other soul do in London that year, or before, or since come to think of it.

Well I wasn`t there, but if he was teaching Northern Soul to the Londoners then what`s wrong with starting at the beginning?

What's wrong? I'll tell you what's wrong, there can't be two beginnings, we already knew that shite.

just remind us all of your immeasurable contribution to the scene " soulsmith " ??????

And your's Mr 2 posts greenlight?

As previously stated everyone seems to be aware of Ian Levine's impact on the scene and indeed his contribution. Listening to Richard Searling last night another innovator from the same era, but ego compared with Levine? No comparison. Searling far more gracious, a character trait perhaps IL forgot a long time ago.

For me this is a Southern thing. Dazed & Confused April 2002 "Soul, Sweat and Speed: The new home of Northern Soul". This piece I believe was the origin of the statement "Ian Levine declares war on the soul clubs of London". We don't know the chronology of events regarding the Rocket and Crossfire. However this mission statement was not something that was to me usual for the scene, or necessary. But perhaps typical of an over inflated ego has been. He was a guest dj once at the 100 Club. I say once, he's not been back since. That's not my place to say, but I would be interested to hear Ady Croasdell's point of view regarding Mr Levine. Not that he needs to be put on the spot, perhaps it's more gracious to say nothing.

Therefore in conclusion Ian Levine was and still is a northern soul VIP, no question. Is he a nice person? I don't know or care. Does he have a reputation as a trouble making ego maniac handful? Not for me to say. Lastly we were doing fine in the the South for soul before Levine showed up, he needn't have bothered really those Rocket do's were poorly attended, pi$$ed off southern soulies boycotted most of them so only an amount of time before the inevitable closure and a swift exit, tail firmly between the legs.

Edited January 1, 2006 by Simsy

[Guest]

Herman Griffin - Not One Chance In a Million

[Chalky]

Therefore in conclusion Ian Levine was and still is a northern soul VIP, no question. Is he a nice person? I don't know or care. Does he have a reputation as a trouble making ego maniac handful? Not for me to say. Lastly we were doing fine in the the South for soul before Levine showed up, he needn't have bothered really those Rocket do's were poorly attended, pi$$ed off southern soulies boycotted most of them so only an amount of time before the inevitable closure and a swift exit, tail firmly between the legs.

Poorly attended...the first one was packed and not with free handouts to students either. We did the Rocket and then went on to the Crossfire, although we got lost in London and Crossfire just throwing out when we got there went onto the after do party tho'.

[Simsy]

Poorly attended...the first one was packed and not with free handouts to students either. We did the Rocket and then went on to the Crossfire, although we got lost in London and Crossfire just throwing out when we got there went onto the after do party tho'.

Nice. You went to the first one, they probably should have left it at that.

That first one was packed as he had a full editorial write up in Dazed & Confused that month including the full back cover ad with the red cirlce on the dance floor bit and "your spot on the dance floor" statement. Subesequent to the first one, it all wen a bit down hill really.

I think Rob 'biffer' Messer was involved in these unfortunate gatherings for which I would not personally bear him any mallice.

Edited January 1, 2006 by Simsy

[Chalky]

Nice. You went to the first one, they probably should have left it at that.

I actually went to a few Ian.

[Simsy]

I actually went to a few Ian.

Ah was a pity we didn't meet up back then mate. Plenty of room across the dancefloor to see whose there. Didn't you think the one's after the first one were, well a bit sparse?

[Chalky]

Ah was a pity we didn't meet up back then mate. Plenty of room across the dancefloor to see whose there. Didn't you think the one's after the first one were, well a bit sparse?

first couple were full from what I can remember...went down hill later. especially after re-launch. All the freebies or whatever to students didn't help.

[Chalky]

Ian's contribution to the scene is pretty significant, don't think anyone can deny that. Apart from the music he's also given you something to talk about for god knows how long

Edited January 1, 2006 by chalky

[Guest]

That first night WAS packed - the opening night buzz was incredible (or was it just something I errr... ate ?)

The press and publicity for the Rocket was pretty impressive.

People also forget there was a great Modern room downstairs too. Unfortunately, certain creepy, envious and two faced individuals started sh*t stirring about the music policy there before it even started and it got off to a bad start. Looking back to how certain people involved in that whole "Modern" side of things acted at the time and how they switched loyalties since then, it's quite incredibly hollow.

[Simsy]

Post edited in accordance with site guidance.

quote name='Simsy' date='Jan 1 2006, 04:44 PM' post='224880']

Okay, just nipping off to do some bowling, back in a bit.

Can remove if you'd prefer - please advise...

Edited January 1, 2006 by Simsy

[Mike]

sorry

but have to pull you up

posting stuff from other forums is not a good thing, and posting stuff from 3 or 4 years ago is even worse

[Simsy]

sorry

but have to pull you up

posting stuff from other forums is not a good thing, and posting stuff from 3 or 4 years ago is even worse

Okay, just nipping off to do some bowling, back in a bit.

Can remove if you'd prefer - please advise...

[Mike]

at the time this matter was covered on here ( use the search)

dont think any good will come out of dragging it all up again so do suggest that save the rocket memories session for another day

just a suggestion like, but do know some have strong feelings on this matter

Edited January 1, 2006 by mike-

[Mike]

Okay, just nipping off to do some bowling, back in a bit.

Can remove if you'd prefer - please advise...

ian

best to get rid if you can

no big thing, just fact from another board and time factor

ta

mike

[Ady Croasdell]

I think Ian and i will probably print our versions of the story in our autobiographies when we've hung up our soul shoes and have a spare year.

The argument is definitely left well in the past for the time being. The only comment I would make is that i think thirty years is a bit too much to ascribe to Ian's Northern involvement, in the twenty six years we have been running he was only active on the scene for a handful of those though he only lived about 4 miles away. But each to his own, he has been busy with many of his own projects over the years.

[Soulsmith]

Herman Griffin - Not One Chance In a Million

Cheers for posting up. Not quite my cup of T, but can see a lot of people getting it.

Lke Simsy I'm not particulary bothered by his legendary rudenes nor do I care if he is really a good person.

The thing that bothers me most is about the music and his record productions. Just the sheer scale of the wasted opportunity.

Having the funds, material, artists, studio facilities & distribution available to him, you would have expected something a bit special. 95% of everything I've heard has been dreadful.

Why take talented soul singers & produce high energy?

If Ian had a gift, I would say that it was in producing a sows ear from a silk purse.

Col.

[Guest]

Drawing a line under the details of who did what to whom, when and where why and how (because there are many versions !) Ladies and Gentlemen, here are The Lovetones! :dance:

Edited January 1, 2006 by Simon White

[Guest]

Cheers for posting up. Not quite my cup of T, but can see a lot of people getting it.

Lke Simsy I'm not particulary bothered by his legendary rudenes nor do I care if he is really a good person.

The thing that bothers me most is about the music and his record productions. Just the sheer scale of the wasted opportunity.

Having the funds, material, artists, studio facilities & distribution available to him, you would have expected something a bit special. 95% of everything I've heard has been dreadful.

Why take talented soul singers & produce high energy?

If Ian had a gift, I would say that it was in producing a sows ear from a silk purse.

Col.

LOL ever heard of the music business? "Why take talented singers and produce Hi Energy" Millions of sales of "24 Hours A Day" "Hi Energy" ? How about millions of sales of "So Many Men, So Little Time", millions of sales of Take That. Stock Aitken and Waterman made thier money on a "Hi Energy" sound. The Chicago House scene was heavily based on the sound of Hi Energy and therefore the dance sound that has dominated the charts and clubs for fifteen years. LOL!!

[Soulsmith]

LOL ever heard of the music business? "Why take talented singers and produce Hi Energy" Millions of sales of "24 Hours A Day" "Hi Energy" ? How about millions of sales of "So Many Men, So Little Time", millions of sales of Take That. Stock Aitken and Waterman made thier money on a "Hi Energy" sound. The Chicago House scene was heavily based on the sound of Hi Energy and therefore the dance sound that has dominated the charts and clubs for fifteen years. LOL!!

Yes, I get where your coming from. And I do appreciate that he was very successful in pop & hi energy. But for a self confessed life long soul fan, how come he couldn't make any/many decent soul records? Or did he & I just haven't heard them?

Col

Ps glad I can still make people

[Soulsmith]

anyone who has even the slightest knowledge of the soul scene would know of levine's immense contribution over the last 30 odd years.

just remind us all of your immeasurable contribution to the scene " soulsmith " ??????

With the beauty of hind sight, its possible that my greatest contribution to the scene may have been winding you up.

[Soulsmith]

Drawing a line under the details of who did what to whom, when and where why and how (because there are many versions !) Ladies and Gentlemen, here are The Lovetones! :dance:

Thats quite catchy.

Close your eyes and you can just imagine Peter Kay marching 'Amarillo' style through your living room.

[Simsy]

Levine didn't play "The Snake" or "Interplay" and thats a fact, not conjecture. I can't imagine who did, if anyone did at all.

They did and thats a fact, not conjecture.

[Guest in town Mikey]

They did and thats a fact, not conjecture.

Yep They defo did play both those records.

I went to every one of the Rocket allnighters until Kevin and Paul stopped co promoting the night. They had an idea of playing records not often heard in London.

As for Ian's contribution to THAT night, it was destructive (not because of his dj spots, which were always excellent in my opinion. Apart from the obvious couple of tracks of course.)

Had he not been involved it may have panned out differently, but then again maybe not, because despite some thinking it madness, London's Northern Soul scene is largely progressive, and is driven by the wish to hear new tunes. So IMO it would have only had a short shelf life anyway.

As someone who has kept a record of the events of that time I feel I can contribute to any discussion. But as Ady has said, there is a time and a place, and that time has gone.

Edited January 2, 2006 by in town Mikey

[Guest]

Yep They defo did play both those records.

I went to every one of the Rocket allnighters until Kevin and Paul stopped co promoting the night. They had an idea of playing records not often heard in London.

As for Ian's contribution to THAT night, it was destructive (not because of his dj spots, which were always excellent in my opinion. Apart from the obvious couple of tracks of course.)

Had he not been involved it may have panned out differently, but then again maybe not, because despite some thinking it madness, London's Northern Soul scene is largely progressive, and is driven by the wish to hear new tunes. So IMO it would have only had a short shelf life anyway.

As someone who has kept a record of the events of that time I feel I can contribute to any discussion. But as Ady has said, there is a time and a place, and that time has gone.

LOL ! Time to name names! I'd love to know exactly who "they" were then !

[Nickg]

LOL ! Time to name names! I'd love to know exactly who "they" were then !

No Simon, not time to name names, just a reminder of the inital post of this thread :

Came back in the scene with a flourish & disappeared just as quickly

Anybody know what he's doing now?

What exactly was his relationship with Take That?

What was his best contribution to Soul music? - serious question

What do you think an orig. 70s 'Levine Must Go T' would fetch on E-e-bay

- or what would you be prepared to pay?

Col

Now can we keep it on the initial topic.

Thanks

Nick

[Guest]

I'm not sure why the thread needs this kind moderating Nick, but of course, bow to the moderators wishes. I didn't realise the rules of the game were that we could only answer the FIRST posting in a thread but thanks for pointing it out.

Seems odd that such an innocent and tongue in cheek response to a claim of who played a record should need to be censored though

I see the thread has had a high number of hits over a couple of days, which suggests it's rolling merrily along and is at least moderately interesting to some.

The first three questions are being covered in the thread already so hopefully no problem there. Ok, maybe not the first one "Anybody know what he's doing now?" So heres an answer to that one. He recently did the "Rowetta" album, which sank without trace.

And the fourth one-

"What do you think an orig. 70s 'Levine Must Go T' would fetch on E-e-bay

- or what would you be prepared to pay?"

I think it would fetch tuppence h'penny and that's what I would be prepared to pay.

Hopefully nothing to upset any apple carts there and certainly no mention of "The Snake or "Interplay" or who might have played them at a venue.

[Guest]

No Simon, not time to name names, just a reminder of the inital post of this thread :

Came back in the scene with a flourish & disappeared just as quickly

Anybody know what he's doing now?

What exactly was his relationship with Take That?

What was his best contribution to Soul music? - serious question

What do you think an orig. 70s 'Levine Must Go T' would fetch on E-e-bay

- or what would you be prepared to pay?

Col

Now can we keep it on the initial topic.

Thanks

Nick

Going back to the original topic!

I recall on a programme about Take That on the telly, that it was Ian who wanted and promoted Robbie Williams to take the lead vocals on one of their records!! The rest as they say is history!

Cheers

Paddy

[Pete S]

No Simon, not time to name names, just a reminder of the inital post of this thread :

Came back in the scene with a flourish & disappeared just as quickly

Anybody know what he's doing now?

What exactly was his relationship with Take That?

What was his best contribution to Soul music? - serious question

What do you think an orig. 70s 'Levine Must Go T' would fetch on E-e-bay

- or what would you be prepared to pay?

Col

Now can we keep it on the initial topic.

Thanks

Nick

Possibly the most unwarranted piece of moderating ever.

[Soulsmith]

"I think it would fetch tuppence h'penny and that's what I would be prepared to pay"

Oh come on Simon! Not saying they were right or wrong, but they are now part of northern soul history. Representing a seminal moment in the development of the rare soul movement! I think they could be graded as kitsch which is very collectable you know!!

Col

[Guest]

Oh, ok three pants h'penny.

[Guest in town Mikey]

LOL ! Time to name names! I'd love to know exactly who "they" were then !

Hi Simon.

They in my post were Kevin and Paul. As named in the sentence before

Thats why they got DJs who played a different style of Northern Soul to the majority of London clubs at that time.

As for who actually played the records in question. I cant even remember who played what at the last allnighter I went to, let alone some many years ago.

I do remember seeing the Orlons, and Sandi Sheldon etc, and thoroughly enjoying that chance tho. Also meeting Van McCoy's sister. Paul brought her to TOS on the Thursday before one Rocket, and when she saw me again at the Niter, she spent ages chatting about how she enjoyed being in London and was amazed at the love for Soul music. So for me the Rocket was great, especially as I lived 100 yards from it.

[Guest]

Heard about from couple of lads locally. Said it was almost unregulated, very funny & with some massive arguments.

Agree with John - The Exciter's "Reaching for The Best " is an all time classic. Done to death at the time, but now NEVER gets a spin.

Andy, sorry to disappoint but don't have the T shirt, but its fairly easy for me to get them printed up.

But not much point at the moment

Yep have to admit ANS was never dull!

[Soulsmith]

Possibly the most unwarranted piece of moderating ever.

Going off topic a bit.......surely I'm allowed to do that

Its funny what effect records like The Snake & Interplay have. Was at a south coast do, a year & a bit ago and those records were played in one of the worst sets I've ever heard. Can't remember who the DJ was - but he was wearing a red beret

I had a right cob on for the whole hour. But looking around Tim Brown was loving it, he appreciated the comedy element of it all. Something that was so bad was so funny. But try as I might, I couldn't get it.......for me it was like watching Rome burn!

[Guest]

Hi Simon.

They in my post were Kevin and Paul. As named in the sentence before

Thats why they got DJs who played a different style of Northern Soul to the majority of London clubs at that time.

As for who actually played the records in question. I cant even remember who played what at the last allnighter I went to, let alone some many years ago.

I do remember seeing the Orlons, and Sandi Sheldon etc, and thoroughly enjoying that chance tho. Also meeting Van McCoy's sister. Paul brought her to TOS on the Thursday before one Rocket, and when she saw me again at the Niter, she spent ages chatting about how she enjoyed being in London and was amazed at the love for Soul music. So for me the Rocket was great, especially as I lived 100 yards from it.

Hi Mikey, happy new year!

I remember meeting Van McCoy's sister too, at Nick's (Scenesville do in Euston), Paul actually introduced her to me, which I thought was v.nice of him. I also spent time speaking to her and again she said same thing to me, nice that it could be relayed to her our respects to her brother and she could relay back to me (us) how much respect she had for us and our scene.

As for the Rocket, first nite, packed, too packed really, but hard place to fill as v.big and parking a nitemare! How many people didnt get their cars broken into is what I would like to know as Im not on that list! I have good memories of going there due to attending with a v.good friend of mine, not with us anymore.

[Simsy]

Going off topic a bit.......surely I'm allowed to do that

Its funny what effect records like The Snake & Interplay have. Was at a south coast do, a year & a bit ago and those records were played in one of the worst sets I've ever heard. Can't remember who the DJ was - but he was wearing a red beret

I had a right cob on for the whole hour. But looking around Tim Brown was loving it, he appreciated the comedy element of it all. Something that was so bad was so funny. But try as I might, I couldn't get it.......for me it was like watching Rome burn!

Great post Col esp Tim Brown bit

I used to like Interplay but that was an army greens & monkey boots time. As for the Snake, not sure if I've ever danced to that, something to do with the incredible lyrics. Funny in that thread last year when someone said "snakes can't talk" and Dan (quick as a flash) said "or grin"!

[Soulsmith]

"s for the Rocket, first nite, packed, too packed really, but hard place to fill as v.big and parking a nitemare! How many people didnt get their cars broken into is what I would like to know as Im not on that list! I have good memories of going there due to attending with a v.good friend of mine, not with us anymore"

Yep, agree totally. First night packed, no room to dance & sound from speakers was dreadful. Mates also had their car broken into.

Col.

Sorry, next bit completely off topic, but maybe slightly amusing to some.

Another mate Steve & I went for a quick beer round the corner. Pub was an Irish pub & they were having a karoke. As soon as we walked in it stopped & it was one of the moments where tumbleweed could have blown across the floor. One of the locals took an instant dislike to my mates leather trench coat. His opening line was "a bit of a nazi are you?" I thought fcuk, here we go again!

Edited January 2, 2006 by Soulsmith

[Soulsmith]

Great post Col esp Tim Brown bit

I used to like Interplay but that was an army greens & monkey boots time. As for the Snake, not sure if I've ever danced to that, something to do with the incredible lyrics. Funny in that thread last year when someone said "snakes can't talk" and Dan (quick as a flash) said "or grin"!

You just have to see Mischiefs dance to The Snake.

Honestly, it will crack you up.

[Billywhizz]

I'm not sure why the thread needs this kind moderating Nick, but of course, bow to the moderators wishes. I didn't realise the rules of the game were that we could only answer the FIRST posting in a thread but thanks for pointing it out.

Seems odd that such an innocent and tongue in cheek response to a claim of who played a record should need to be censored though

I see the thread has had a high number of hits over a couple of days, which suggests it's rolling merrily along and is at least moderately interesting to some.

The first three questions are being covered in the thread already so hopefully no problem there. Ok, maybe not the first one "Anybody know what he's doing now?" So heres an answer to that one. He recently did the "Rowetta" album, which sank without trace.

And the fourth one-

"What do you think an orig. 70s 'Levine Must Go T' would fetch on E-e-bay

- or what would you be prepared to pay?"

I think it would fetch tuppence h'penny and that's what I would be prepared to pay.

Hopefully nothing to upset any apple carts there and certainly no mention of "The Snake or "Interplay" or who might have played them at a venue.

I only missed one Rocket I can't remember the snake or interplay being played i believe 70% off SS has danced to it at sometime So what if they did play it I thought the soul scene was a funable soul scene to be in,lets Chill out for 2006.

Billy

[Mike]

I'm not sure why the thread needs this kind moderating Nick, but of course, bow to the moderators wishes. I didn't realise the rules of the game were that we could only answer the FIRST posting in a thread but thanks for pointing it out.

Seems odd that such an innocent and tongue in cheek response to a claim of who played a record should need to be censored though

laughing here

a reminder posted by by a moderator is now " censorship" and results in sensitive members posting up their disgust at such "heavy handed" moderation

wise up, if a mod reckons a thread could do with a reminder or a suggestion then thats what is gonnna happen, and bear in mind that it may not be just about your own last few words but could be about the whole thread

trying to make out that such is anything but a reminder or a suggestion is doing both the moderator and the site a disservice

any comments on moderating or site matters as said before use the site stuff forum

[Alan Pollard]

I was a regular at The Rocket and I got to know to know Ian fairly well infact he gave me the opportunity to DJ at The Rocket warm up sessions over the road at Spoofers Bar, the Spoofer sessions were really special to me and many of other like minded people many of who are grwat friends now and will be hopefully for life. Anyway back to Ian, and what he tried to achieve at The Rocket, he really believed that he could get back on the scene he had left many years earlier, the way he went about it was in his usual manner which winds people up, he seemed to be excliuding the rest of the established scene then obviously the war of words which built up into his famous saying FOAD which for uninitiated means "F**K OFF AND DIE" not very nice.

At the time prior to the Rocket and in the early days of the Advanced Northern Soul List I must admit to having a great deal of respect for Ian which was mainly down to his days at The Highland Room, Blackpool Mecca and The Blue Rooms at Sale Locarno, his contribution to the Rare Soul Scene via the records he was finding was immense and if anything I favoured at lot of the stuff he was playing rather than alot of pop influenced stuff that was being played at Station Road, Wigan but I supported both venues regularly for different reasons, many will say that given the resourses Ian had that anyone could have turned them records up but I doubt that many could I don't think I could have done it.

I'm sorry to say I lost my respect for Ian after being fed lots of face to face lies during The Rocket and ANS era, now I know I'm not the only one he deceived but I'm sorry I can't respect someone who doesn't respect me.

Ian's finest work as a producer without a doubt "24 hours a day" Barbara Pennington.

Where is he now ? ........................... I don't know but I can't see him making ever making the return.

Ian's persona is part of his make up and that will never change and that side of him doesn't bother me and like someone said earlier perhaps the scene is short of more characters like Ian well I don't know, to me the scene is short of venues and promoters prepared to move the scene forward and before anyone jumps on my back I know that is difficult, I have been trying unsuccessfully to do just that in Stockport since the early 80's without success. There are venues like The Greatstone, The Three Greyhounds and The Orwell that are doing this with success and there are probably more over the UK but not enough.

Last word from myself is the scene wouldn't be were it is now without Ian's input.

Regards

Alan Pollard

[Simsy]

Last word from myself is the scene wouldn't be were it is now without Ian's input.

Regards

Alan Pollard

Great post Alan.

I think on balance from what I knew about the man and the points raised in this thread. Makes me wonder that this whole Levine persona is just that. His persona, a determination to get to America early doors and sniff out fantastic new discoveries. The same personality that wanted the Mecca to be number one etc. Nothing in his attitude changed for his comeback and who would think that it would?

In short, perhaps it's fair to say that he wouldn't have been capable of doing what he did and contributing what he did to the scene had he not had this 'driven' personality.

As you so rightly say Alan, the scene through retro specs would not be nearly as rosey, had it not been for Ian Levine.

[Bigsoulman]

Quite remarkable how the merest mention of Ian Levine's name can pull in so many views, nearly 3000 now....astonishing

[Simsy]

Quite remarkable how the merest mention of Ian Levine's name can pull in so many views, nearly 3000 now....astonishing

He makes for an interesting topic it's true.

In fairness I think a lot of the views are to see member's posts/thoughts on IL, rather than just info/hero worship about him.